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Staircase Banister Ideas That Will Elevate Your Home’s Style

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How to uplevel your home’s forgotten spaces: Staircase Banister Ideas. I call them forgotten spaces because we rarely think about decorating them. You can really take your space to the next level by giving the staircase a little love.

In my home, our staircase actually has two walls so I don’t have a banister. But I did a board and batten box molding to elevate my space, as well as brighten it because it was very dark.

I list five different categories but as you will see they can mix and match between the two and add different elements to change how they are compared to the next.

It often can be as easy as paint to elevate your staircase. Check out these great ideas on how you can upgrade those banisters!

A side by side of three different staircases, one black with lots of molding, one wrought iron with light wood steps and one dark wood traditional with a curved bottom.

Wood Staircase Banister Ideas

Wood is the most common material used in banisters. You don’t have to make it boring though! Add some details and make your staircase reflect your design style.

A traditional staircase wtih dark wood, a curved bottom and a built in bench.
Source: HGTV

This is a gorgeous traditional staircase with a curved detail at the bottom. It’s absolutely stunning! I love the built-in bench too.

A builder basic staircase banister that has been painted two tones, black and white.
Source: Make it Love it

You can take a traditional (builder-style) banister and use paint to make it look more stylish. Here the use of black and white elevates the banisters.

A black and white staircase with a large landing and a glass pendent light hanging low.
Source: Neville Johnson

I love the use of smaller banisters but more of them as seen above. Three banisters rather than just one gives the staircase a ton of interest.

A black staircase with lots of architectural moldings, a wood bench in front and dark hardwood floors.
Source: BHG

Speaking of interest you can’t get much more interesting than adding molding to your staircase. Or painting it all black!

Adding black to your home adds sophistication, and painting your whole stairwell black adds a big wow factor. On top of having the architectural details like this stairwell has!

Wrought Iron Staircase Banister Ideas

Wrought iron is typically used on the exterior of the home because of the fact that it can take weather really well. It’s making its way to the interiors though.

Typically you will see the iron all black but sometimes you will see a wood handrail on the top. You can have your banisters vertical or horizontal.

A wrought iron staircase with horizontal banisters, light wood steps and white walls.
Source: BHG

This gorgeous home has all wrought iron with horizontal banisters. This gives a more modern look to a home.

A wrought iron staircase with vertical curved banisters, tile walls and large framed prints of artwork
Source: House and Home

This is a more traditional look with the banister being vertical. I love the fact that they added the curved details, this gives the staircase a much more sophisticated look!

Wire Staircase Banister Ideas

Wire is typically used on the exterior especially decks where you want to be able to enjoy the view beyond. Like wrought iron what is used on the exterior is making its way to the interior.

A wood staircase with wire as the banisters installed horizontally.  A modern white chair and side table next to the staircase.
Source: Centsational Style

This staircase upgrade is very modern and adds a lot of style to a wood staircase.

Glass Staircase Banister Ideas

Glass is also a great option for staircase banisters! Like wire, it’s often used on decks to keep the view from being obstructed. But it’s also great for the interior of the home.

A modern home with gray floors and glass staircase banisters and white walls.
Source: Viewrail

The glass allows you to look right on through and see any artwork that might be on the staircase wall. The only negative about glass is if you have kids, you will be cleaning them often!

Other Ideas for Forgotten Spaces:

A grid of six different staircase banister ideas with text overlay, pin for pinterest.

As a licensed Real Estate Agent and an avid home decorator, I strive to give my clients the very best I can when it comes to staging, selling, and decorating their homes. I have lots of experience with paint color choices and love to DIY my home so I can have everything just the way I want it. I share my ideas and projects with the world in the hopes that I can help others have their homes just the way they want as well.

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